This is going to sound really bizarre, but I think one of the things that defines 211 above all else for me is his run.
It never came across well on TV, but watching this 120kg monster hoofing it up and down the ground, to the backline, to the forward line and to every single contest - regularly outpointing and out-tapping ruckmen who definitely had him for athleticism - was a sight to behold. To do it for nearly twenty years is something else.
It's why the "doesn't run enough" charge - usually parroted by ignorant Melbourne commentators who watched him twice a year at best (or the braying *******s on 6PR) - always rankled.
Random highlights for me;
- The battles with Cox; I don't think there's really anyone else who managed to break even and outpoint him so often.
- The running hit to shield Mora's goal in the home final against the Hawks.
- Can't remember the year, but drifting forward to kick three (?) goals against a very frustrated Henry Playfair at Kardinya.
- The midfield double acts: Sandilands-to-Haselby, Sandilands-to-Mundy, Sandilands-to-Fyfe, Sandilands-to-Bell, Sandilands-to-Barlow (god - even Sandi-to-Schammer!) Just understood how to work the midfield perfectly.
- Those occasional moments where he'd just bash a tap forward and still gain us 30-40m of territory anyway.
I said it the other day that I think he could have gone around another year if he wanted to - but he clearly thought the time was right.
Go well big man.
It never came across well on TV, but watching this 120kg monster hoofing it up and down the ground, to the backline, to the forward line and to every single contest - regularly outpointing and out-tapping ruckmen who definitely had him for athleticism - was a sight to behold. To do it for nearly twenty years is something else.
It's why the "doesn't run enough" charge - usually parroted by ignorant Melbourne commentators who watched him twice a year at best (or the braying *******s on 6PR) - always rankled.
Random highlights for me;
- The battles with Cox; I don't think there's really anyone else who managed to break even and outpoint him so often.
- The running hit to shield Mora's goal in the home final against the Hawks.
- Can't remember the year, but drifting forward to kick three (?) goals against a very frustrated Henry Playfair at Kardinya.
- The midfield double acts: Sandilands-to-Haselby, Sandilands-to-Mundy, Sandilands-to-Fyfe, Sandilands-to-Bell, Sandilands-to-Barlow (god - even Sandi-to-Schammer!) Just understood how to work the midfield perfectly.
- Those occasional moments where he'd just bash a tap forward and still gain us 30-40m of territory anyway.
I said it the other day that I think he could have gone around another year if he wanted to - but he clearly thought the time was right.
Go well big man.
